Cooling system and method for air cooled chillers

ABSTRACT

A cooling system connected to the air inlet of an air cooled chiller, having at least one frame at least one net through winch the air absorbed by the chiller is passed, at least one liquid spraying component performing spraying, on the front part of said net&#39;s outer surface not facing the chiller, contrariwise to tie chiller and to the incoming direction of air, at least one liquid supply kit sending liquid to said liquid spraying component and at least one liquid transmission instrument carrying the liquid from the liquid supply kit to the spraying component. A cooling method wherein this system is used is also provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED U.S. APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT Not applicable. REFERENCE TO AN APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON COMPACT DISC

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to cooling system used directly or indirectly (in air cooled cooling systems) and method of this.

The invention relates particularly to cooling system and method providing economical cooling of air in the inlet (suction) of air cooled condensers used in said cooling systems, increasing the capacity of mechanical unit cooler as a result of cooling of the air in front of the condenser, decreasing operational cost.

2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 37 CFR 1.98.

The cooling systems used in industrial cooling systems and in air conditioning have a highly wide range of application field. In addition to process systems, agriculture, livestock farming, textile, priming, wood working, etc. and geothermal or natural gas-cycle power plants, cogeneration and trigeneration systems and petro-chemical plants can be shown as examples of this.

Of the cooling systems, temperature of the air procured, from outer environment poses a significantly high importance in air cooled systems. That is because there is an inverse proportion between the amount of cooling wanted to be obtained, by means of cooling of inner location and the air temperature of the outer environment. As the temperature of outer environment temperature increases, the amount of cooling becomes decreased. Therefore, time lapsing for cooling of inner location and the energy consumed for this will be much more. That is, the less the temperature of outer location is, the more the efficiency yielded and the energy spent is decreased in considerable amount.

Therefore, works were carried out for dropping the air temperature in the inlet of the condenser. The first method obtained as the result of these works and used at present evaporative cooling pads. The pads located in front of the condenser intake air are continuously kept wet by means of a water circulation pump. Air passing through with the help of direct or indirect fans causes the water in pads evaporate and is cooled of when going over said wet pads. Thus, air temperature is reduced to a value which is approximately close to wet bulb temperature. As a result, the work needed to be carried out by the unit cooler becomes less and its performances is increased.

As an example to this method, files with publication number U. S. 7014174132, U. S. 2005046050 A1 and CN201218576 Y can be shown as examples. All the three files mention pads that are wetted and increase the cooling performance and their usage.

However, said cooling pads lead to pressure losses during transition of the air. Therefore, the amount of air passing over the condenser becomes less. Decreased amount of air passing over the condenser leads to a significant portion of the advantage provided by means of chilling effect. In addition, the amount of water used is quite a lot The most important reasons of this is that they usually not comprise a. system which will determine the amount of water and have a continuous water flow. Re-usage of water on the other hand can lead to different problems. Besides, assembly and maintenance costs of said systems are quite high. Additionally, dust particles in the air can form a layer of dust on the coil by intermingling with water. Such negativism also increases the costs.

A further method employed on the other hand involves spraying water over coolants such as air-cooled operated condenser and wetting the components such as plate, pipe, wall, etc. whose heat transfers are complete. Thus, water sprayed is evaporated, difference of temperature required for heat transfer becomes increased and support for cooling is provided. Thus, performance of the condenser or the unit cooler is increased.

As examples to said systems, files with the publication number WO2007025465 A1, CN101650135 A and JP2007024411 A can be presented. First file mentions water spraying into the surface of the condenser by means of the nozzles making atomiser spraying. In file numbered CN101650135 A. mention is made of locating condensers created in V form in inverted V form, of the spray nozzles located in spacing remaining between the inverted V and the ground and of wetting inner surface of the condenser by means of them. The last file of Japan origin on the other hand denotes also wetting of outer surfaces of inverted V condenser. Yet, in said systems, failures occur since water is directly sprayed onto surface of the condenser due to corrosive effect of water. And this increases maintenance and repair costs and causes the system stopping, in a relatively frequently,

Due to all these shortcomings, the need has arisen for an efficient and low cost, in addition to being efficient, cooling system and method for air cooled systems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention aims to eliminate the above cited shortcomings, formed on inspirations based on the existing situations.

Priority purpose of the invention is to provide support to the mechanical cooling system by acting as a second unit cooler in air cooled systems. Thus, provision of energy efficiency rate of the mechanical cooling system to be in the highest rate possible is aimed. Particularly, provision of an improvement at an average rate of about 20% in air cooled unit coolers is aimed.

It is also one of the objectives of the invention to increase humidity rate of air in front of the condenser (by wetting in a manner not wetting the condenser or by wetting in negligible amount) during chilling, decreasing dry bulb temperature and provide evaporative (adiabatic) chilling.

The invention aims to reduced. the amount of energy consumed by bringing outer air temperature to the lowest value climatic conditions permitting (without wetting the condenser) and to increase said efficiency.

The invention aims that the system consumes the least amount of water by pro viding spraying only the required amount of water and evaporation thanks to the stepped water spraying system which operates by being controlled with a micro-processor it has.

It is also one of the objectives of the invention that all the water sprayed is evaporated, nozzles are located at a certain distance with the air cooled. chiller and there is a net between the nozzle and the chiller, areas wherein suction will not be carried out are also covered with canvas thanks to which contact of the chiller with water is prevented.

The invention also aims, with the canvas it owns apart from said net, to provide that the air conies in through the area wherein humidification is provided and to prevent uncooled air from reaching the condenser.

A purpose of the invention is to lower the rate of carbon dioxide thanks to the efficiency obtained and to make input into sustainable development.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Structural and characteristic, properties of the invention and all of its advantages will be understood more clearly from the figures provided below and from the detailed description written by making references to these figures and therefore, the evaluation should also be made by taking these figures and the detailed description into account

FIG. 1 presents a representative view indicating the cooling system, which is the subject of the invention, and of the related chiller in a ready for operation state.

FIG. 2 illustrates a representative scheme of the system.

FIG. 3 presents the frame structure of the wind-shielded canvas alternative of the system.

The drawings do not need to be absolutely put to scales and details not essential to understand the present invention may have been omitted. Furthermore, the components that are at least identical, or at least substantially have identical functions are illustrated with the same number.

DESCRIPTION OF COMPONENT REFERENCES

-   -   100. Chiller (Existing System)     -   200. Frame     -   201. Elastic Corner Fitting     -   210. Wind shield     -   220. Closed Surface/Canvas     -   121 Fastener/Hook-and-loop fastener     -   230. Net (TOR)     -   231. Fastener     -   240. Liquid spraying component/Nozzle     -   250. Liquid Supply Kit (pump, etc.)     -   251. Liquid transmission instrument/Pipe     -   252. Flow Control Kit.     -   260. Control Unit     -   261. Sensor     -   262. Air measurement station     -   270. Liquid preparation component     -   280. Cabin

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In this detailed description, the preferred embodiments and the operations steps of the cooling system and method, which is the subject of the invention, created for air cooled chillers (100) are disclosed only for better understanding of the subject, and in a manner not constituting any restrictive effect.

The invention relates to a cooling system connected to air inlet of an an cooled condenser or of a similar chiller (100), comprising at least one frame (200), at least one liquid spraying component (240) located on said frame (200), at least one net (230) through which the air absorbed by the chiller (100) is passed, at least one liquid supply kit (250) sending liquid to said component (240) and at least one liquid transmission instrument (251) carrying liquid from the liquid supply kit (250) to the spraying component (240).

The basic feature of the invention and method being the subject of the invention is that spraying is performed on the front part of said net's (230) outer surface not facing the chiller (100), contrariwise to the chiller (100) and to the incoming direction of air, and that for this purpose it comprises a liquid, spraying component (240) located in outer surface of the net Thus, temperature of the air which will be absorbed into the chiller (100) is decreased. Also probable water leakage into the chiller (100) is prevented thanks to the net used (TOR) (130). Therefore, said net (130) fixed to said frame (200) that is positioned in a manner remaining at a distance between the chiller (00) and itself. Here the term TOR refers to a net prepared in aperture not reducing the flow rate of the air.

The liquid in the invention is preferably water and said liquid spraying component(s) (240) is/are preferably atomiser nozzle. Thus quick evaporation of the sprayed water is provided.

The frame (200) used in the invention comprises corner fittings (201) in elastic form in order to be possibly created in various shapes and to be in conformity with all kinds of air cooled chillers (100). Thus, depending on the need, frame (200) can be bent or flexed when required. The frame (200) can also comprise at least one wing shield (210) preventing the sprayed liquid from being affected by wind. Thus, desired sides of the nozzles (240) shielded. A closed surface (220) is used to provide entry of the air absorbed into the chiller (100) only through the liquid sprayed net (230) section by closing the sections of the frame (220), wherein no liquid spraying component (240) is found. This surface (220) is also used to obtain said wind shield. To obtain said closed surface (220) preferably canvas and similar textile products known in the art can be used.

Canvas (220) used for the closed surface (220) or for the disclosed alternative has at least one fastener (221) providing its connection with said net (TOR) (230) or with the frame (200). Similarly, said net (230) on the other hand comprises at least one fastener (231). In the preferred embodiment, as fastener (221, 231), easily installed and removable components termed as hook-and-loop fasteners in the textile are used.

In the invention, there exists at least one flow control kit (252) controlling the liquid coming from said liquid supply kit (250) to spraying components (240) by means of liquid transmission instruments (251) wherein preferably the proper pipes known in the art are used. With this flow control arrangement, dissolving of water into air in minimum or maximum amount is provided.

In case the number of flow control kit (252) is for example 3 pieces, one of the kits (252) controls at least one spraying component (240), the second control kit (252) controls spraying component (240) two times more of the number of the first and the third control kit (252) on the other hand controls spraying component (240) two times more of the number of the second. Thus, seven different steps wherein 1, 2, 3, . . . 6 and 7 times t e of the nozzles than the number of nozzle the first kit (252) controls can be obtained.

The invention has at least one control unit (260) that controls all of said liquid spraying component (240), the flow control kit (252.) and the liquid supply kit (250) under all conditions. Depending on the size of the system, numbers of this control unit (260) and of the flow control kit (252) become increased. In the preferred embodiment on the other hand, the flow control kit (252) is controlled. The control unit (260) comprises at least one sensor (261) providing one of the most significant features of the invention. This control unit (260) keeps the system under control by means of the sensors (261) of various types and features found in the system, The amounts of these sensors (261) increase depending on the size of the system. This sensor (261) is located at least one air measurement station (262) located at a distance wherein it will not be affected by the spraying components (240). Thus, climatic data parameters of the outer environment, wherein the air absorbed into the chiller (100) is procured, are measured and the flow control kit (252) providing flow to the nozzles (240) can be opened and closed in steps according to the need. The amount of the need is determined by making computations by said control unit, thanks to data in the psychometric diagram known in the art. In case the system exceeds a certain size, more than one control unit (260) and flow control it (252) are used in the system. In case these are used, an additional coordinating unit in addition to the control unit (260) is added.

In addition to all these, the invention has at least one liquid preparation component (270) sending liquid to said liquid supply kit (250) (in cases, wherein at the point of application, the water having adverse effects on the system or on the unit cooler is in question) wherein preferably a pump is employed. This component (270) is preferably a filtration component.

The liquid supply kit (250), flow control kit (252), control. unit (260) are located at least inside of one cabin (280) and preferably at. a point around the chiller (100). The liquid preparation component (270) is located in vicinity of the cabin in cases where need arises. The sensors (261) can he located at a proper location on the cabin (280), the unit cooler (100) and the air measurement station (262). The outer air measurement station (262) can be located nearby the system, in a manner not affected from the system. 

1. A cooling system connected to the air inlet of a chiller, having at least one frame, at least one liquid spraying component located on said frame, at least one net through which the air absorbed by the chiller is passed, at least one liquid supply kit sending liquid to said component and at least one liquid transmission instrument carrying liquid from the liquid supply kit to the spraying component, and it is characterized in that it comprises a liquid spraying component performing spraying on the front part of said net's outer surface not facing the chiller, contrariwise to the chiller and to the incoming direction of air.
 2. Cooling system according to claim 1, comprising at least one flow control kit that controls the liquid coming from said liquid supply kit to the spraying components.
 3. Cooling system according to claim 2, wherein the system has three of said flow control kit in order to provide achievement of a seven step humidification that one of the kits controls at least one spraying component, the second control kit controls spraying components two times more of the number of the first and the third control kit controls spraying components two times more of the number of the second.
 4. Cooling system according to claim 2, wherein comprising at least one control unit that controls at least one of the liquid spraying component, the flow control kit and the liquid supply kit.
 5. Cooling system according to claim 4, comprising at least one sensor connected to said control unit and measuring the climatic values of the air.
 6. Cooling system according to claim 5, wherein said sensor comprises at least one air measurement station in which said sensor is located.
 7. Cooling system according to claim 1, comprising at least one liquid preparation component which provides liquid to said liquid supply kit.
 8. Cooling system according to claim 4, comprising at least one cabin in which said liquid supply kit, the flow control kit and the control unit are located.
 9. Cooling system according to claim 1, comprising a corner fitting in elastic structure provides creation of said frame in various shapes.
 10. Cooling system according to claim 1, comprising a closed surface used for closing the sections of the frame in which no liquid spraying component is found, and providing entry of the air absorbed into the chiller only through the liquid sprayed net section by directing the air.
 11. Cooling system according to claim 1, wherein said frame comprising at least one closed-surfaced wind shield which prevents the liquid sprayed from being affected by wind.
 12. Cooling system according to claim 10, wherein said closed surface is of canvas.
 13. Cooling system according to claim 10, wherein comprising at least one fastener which provides connection of said closed surface with said net or the frame.
 14. Cooling system according to claim 10, wherein comprising at least one fastener which provides connection of said net with said closed surface or the frame.
 15. Cooling system according to claim 13, wherein said fastener is at least one hook-and-loop fastener.
 16. A cooling method for an air cooled chiller, comprising the operation steps of; fixing of at least one net to the air inlet of the chiller, and performing of spraying, by means of at least one liquid, spraying component, on the front part of said net's outer surface not facing the chiller, contrariwise to the chiller and to the incoming direction of air.
 17. Cooling, method according to claim 16, comprising the operation step of transferring liquid to said spraying component by at least one liquid supply kit.
 18. Cooling method according to claim 16, comprising the operation step of controlling the liquid coming to said spraying component by means of at least one flow control kit.
 19. Cooling method according to claim 1$, wherein the system has three of said flow control kit in order to provide achievement of a seven step humidification that one of the kits controls at least one spraying component, the second control kit controls spraying components two times more of the number of the first and the third control kit controls spraying components two times more of the number of the second.
 20. Cooling method according to claim 17, comprising the operation step in which at least one liquid, spraying component, the flow control kit and liquid supply kit is controlled by at least one control unit.
 21. Cooling method according to claim 19, comprising, the operation step in which climatic values of the outer environment from which air is absorbed are measured by means of at least one sensor connected to said control unit.
 22. Cooling method according to claim 20 wherein said sensor is located at least one air measurement station located at a distance wherein it will not be affected by the spraying component.
 23. Cooling method according to claim 17, Wherein liquid is supplied to said liquid supply kit by means of at least one liquid preparation component.
 24. Cooling method according to claim 20, wherein said liquid supply kit, the flow control kit and the control unit are located at least one cabin.
 25. Cooling method according to claim 16, wherein the sections of said frame, on which it has said liquid spraying component, on winch liquid spraying component is not found are closed with a closed surface in a manner providing entry of the air absorbed into the chiller only through the net section by directing the air.
 26. Cooling method according to claim 16, wherein the liquid sprayed is prevented from being affected by wind by means of at least one closed-surfaced wind shield created on said frame, on which it has said. liquid spraying component.
 27. Cooling method according to claim 25, wherein said closed surface is of canvas.
 28. Cooling method according to claim 25, wherein said closed surface is connected with said net or the frame by means of at least one fastener.
 29. Cooling method according to claim 25, wherein said net is connected with said closed surface or the frame by means of at least one fastener.
 30. Cooling method according to claim 28, wherein said fastener is at least one hook-and-loop fastener.
 31. Cooling system according to claim 1, wherein said liquid, spraying component is atomiser nozzle.
 32. Cooling system method according to claim 1, wherein said liquid, is water. 